Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in remote areas who speak an Indigenous language are less likely to experience risk factors associated with poor wellbeing, according to a report released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The report found that in 2008, almost half (47%) of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth (aged 15–24 years) in remote areas spoke an Indigenous language. These young people were less likely to engage in high risk alcohol consumption and illicit substance use, than those who did not speak an Indigenous language. They were also less likely to report being a victim of physical violence.

However, the report also showed that there has been a decline in the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth who can speak an Indigenous language. In 2008, 13% of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth could speak an Indigenous language, down from 18% in 2002.

Despite this decrease in Indigenous language skills, 21% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 3–14 years who did not speak an Indigenous language at home were learning one. About one in three (31%) children aged 3–14 years also spent time with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander elder at least once a week.

In addition, the report found that youth who had been discriminated against because of their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origins were less likely to have some characteristics associated with positive wellbeing.

In 2008, one-quarter (26%) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth reported having experienced discrimination in the past 12 months because of their origins. These youth were less likely to be employed, studying or able to get support outside of their households than those who had not experienced discrimination. They were also more likely to have experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress compared with their peers who did not experience discrimination.

Psychological distress is measured using a modified version of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. High scores indicate that feelings of anxiety or depression may be being experienced on a regular basis, whereas a low score indicates these feelings are experienced less frequently or not at all.

When reporting on ABS data the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or ABS) must be attributed as the source.

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